Rodney Ray Travis, 74 of Prosser passed away quietly in his home on Sunday, December 16th—just as quietly and unassuming as he lived his life. Rod, as he was called by most, was a true example of humility and grace to everyone who knew him and a great many things to many people: a loving and devoted husband who never failed to show his wife of 47 years, Sharon Travis, how much he loved her by being a true companion and partner in life; a patient and caring father that very naturally provided a living example of true love and grace for his two children, Tami Miller and Toby Travis; a gentle and generous grandpa that gave freely of his time and his love for his three grandchildren, Jarrod Miller, Kate and Meg Travis; an always supportive older brother to his sister Patricia Kulberg; and a loyal golf buddy and friend to Lloyd, Rich, Davey and Pete and his many other friends throughout his life. To George Miller, his son-in-law, and Jennifer Travis, his daughter-in-law, among other friends and family members he easily welcomed into his life, he was a surrogate father and grandfather—graciously and evenly accepting and loving with no exception.
Rod was born and raised in Prosser and lived his life as a wheat rancher on Horse Heaven Hills, until he retired in 1998 and spent his most recent years working at the M&E Feed Store and traveling back and forth to Seattle to watch his grandchildren play soccer. Rod was a passionate supporter of the Prosser Mustangs and a long-time contributor to the booster club. Whether it was running chains for the football team or sitting in the front row of the bleachers for every basketball or volleyball game, you’d find Rod there, cheering on the team. When he wasn’t doing that, you might find him cheering on Boise State, the Huskies or the Seahawks, tinkering on some project or another or just out in the pasture “working on his swing”.
We will miss little things like his laugh, his stories, and his smile, but most of all, we will miss this gentle, loving man that graced all our lives.
A special memorial gathering for Rod will be held in February at the Horse Heaven Community Hall (formal announcement to come). In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to PHS Athletics: 1203 Prosser Avenue, Prosser, WA 99350.